A New Milestone of Motherhood

Alhamdulillah, my oldest sons, being twins, have just turned 25! What a poignant time for me as my mind drifts back to the day of their birth and all the events leading up to and from that point in time. So much has happened since then, some of it predictable but a lot of it unforeseen. That’s not to say the latter category has been unwelcome. Quite the opposite, in fact. I’d argue that most of the unforeseen events since then have been incredibly life-changing and uplifting.

I wrote a blog post when my sons turned 21 with that being a significant age in European thinking. However, 25 years has a different resonance altogether. It’s a quarter of a century. Almost half my own life has been given over to being a mother and is a role which I have been honoured with since then. Literally overnight 25 years ago, I inherited a new title, a new dimension of my existence and a new purpose in life. I embraced it all and cherish it still, Alhamdulillah.

It has been a curious journey in that I have witnessed my sons evolve from complete dependence to an almost complete independence. Today, I am the one who is often in their care and guardianship as they acknowledge the sacrifices I have made – and continue to make -in my life. It’s been a sweet role-reversal although the worries and celebrations that come with the territory of motherhood will always remain. Whilst I now am more keen to pursue goals which are to do with my personal growth, my role as mother will continue unabated. The only difference is that it has gently morphed into a new form which takes into account my sons’ maturity and independence and all that that entails.

WIth all the ups and downs that life has thrown at me, I know I always emerge from scenarios feeling fortunate. That’s the one take-away emotion that dominates all else when I ruminate on motherhood. Whether I choose to celebrate my sons’ birthday with cake and candles or simply enjoy their company and quietly acknowledge another year gone by, I am grateful for the time we’ve all had together to laugh, cry and scream. I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way, Alhamdulillah.